To determine the acute and chronic effects of a short course of treatment on spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals with either an anticholinergic agent (tiotropium) or with a β₂ agonist (Salmeterol) on:

Further study details as provided by James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center:

Primary Outcome Measures:

The effect of an anticholinergic agent or beta 2 agonist on the fraction of expired NO (FeNO) [ Time Frame: Approximately 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

This will be a crossover trial. Baseline measurements will be taken, followed by two weeks of drug intervention (Salmeterol or Tiotropium Bromide). After two weeks the subject will return for post drug measurements. There will be a wash out period of four weeks, and then the subject will return again for the baseline measurements of drug 2, followed by two weeks of intervention and a final assessment.

The subject will be randomized to receive either anticholinergic agent or long acting Beta2 agonist. Measurements of EBC will take place at baseline, 1 hr post drug administration, and two weeks after intervention. Biomarkers of inflammation will be assessed by collected exhaled breath condensates, which will subsequently be sent for biochemical analysis. Markers include Isoprostane-8, TNF-Alpha, and Leukotriene B4.

This will be a crossover trial. Baseline measurements will be taken, followed by two weeks of drug intervention (Salmeterol or Tiotropium Bromide). After two weeks the subject will return for post drug measurements. There will be a wash out period of four weeks, and then the subject will return again for the baseline measurements of drug 2, followed by two weeks of intervention and a final assessment. Pulmonary assessments include: Spirometry and Plethysmography.

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01355991